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Former Premier League midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré highlights CLTFC’s roster additions; Nathan Richmond and Hugo Mbongue promoted from Crown Legacy��

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Friday, October 9, 2026) – Charlotte FC announced today the Club signed midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré alongside Crown Legacy forward Hugo Mbongue and midfielder Nathan Richmond ahead of the 2026 �鶹��Ƶ Roster Freeze Deadline.

Doucouré will occupy an international roster slot.

“Abdoulaye, Hugo and Nathan are three additions that we hope will bring balance, competition and raise the overall level of our roster. We felt it was a great opportunity to add both an experienced Premier League midfielder while continuing to promote Crown Legacy players to the First Team,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “Abdoulaye is someone who comes to us with expansive Premier League experience, great technical ability and a strong ability to connect play to advance the ball from the midfield up the field to the final third. Hugo and Nathan have had outstanding seasons at the �鶹��Ƶ Next Pro level to warrant their promotions and can’t wait to see their continued growth within the organization. We wish both Archie and Aron speedy recovers as they aim to get back on track before the �鶹��Ƶ Sprint Season.”

Doucouré, a French midfielder who is signed through the end of the 2026 �鶹��Ƶ season, spent the majority of his professional career in the English Premier League, accruing 278��appearances between Watford and Everton. He played with Watford from 2015-16 season through the 2019-20 campaign, recording 141 appearances with 17 goals and 12 assists. Doucouré most recently played with Everton, tallying 166 appearances with 21 goals and 14 assists. His most notable Premier League goal was during his time at Everton as he recorded the game-winning goal on the final day in a 1-0 victory versus Bournemouth during the 2022-23 EPL season.

Both Crown Legacy players are both signed through the 2027 �鶹��Ƶ Sprint season with options for the 2027-28 and the 2028-29 �鶹��Ƶ seasons.

Richmond, who had been called up to the First Team on four occasions this season, made his debut in Charlotte FC’s 3-0 victory over Pumas UNAM on August 4. He then recorded his �鶹��Ƶ regular-season debut on September 26 against Chicago Fire FC. The winger has tallied eight goals and 10 assists through 24 matches with CLFC, ranking him third in assists across �鶹��Ƶ NEXT Pro, as CLFC earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Mbongue had his best statistical season of his young professional career in 2026, tallying a career-best 14 goals along with four assists in 22 appearances. The Canadian youth international recorded 20 goals and 10 assists with his five previous clubs. He has 12 career �鶹��Ƶ appearances, all at Toronto FC during the 2023 �鶹��Ƶ regular season.

To remain roster compliant, Charlotte FC moved both Archie Goodwin and Aron John on the Season-Ending Injury list.

TRANSACTION: Charlotte FC signed Abdoulaye Doucouré through the end of the 2026 season; Nathan Richmond through the 2027 �鶹��Ƶ Sprint Season with options for 2027-28 and 2028-29; and Hugo Mbongue through the 2027 �鶹��Ƶ Sprint Season with options for��2027-28 and 2028-29. Archie Goodwin and Aron John were added to the Season-Ending Injury list.